Introduced in 2012, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are compact devices designed to convert mechanical or thermal energy into electricity. They find applications in various fields, powering small, wireless autonomous devices such as those used in wearable electronics, condition monitoring, and wireless sensor networks. Examples include heart monitor implants, biochip transponders for farm animals, or sensors that notify drivers of low tire pressure.
TENGs operate by transferring an electric charge between two objects during contact or sliding movements, induced by activities like walking, vibration, rotating tires, wind motion, or water flow. These devices have minimal environmental impact.
The recent breakthrough at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) introduces a new breed of TENG that utilizes “tacky” materials like double-sided adhesive tape or limestone putty to generate a charge. This innovation stands out for its cost-effectiveness and simplicity in construction compared to conventional TENGs, which often involve expensive nanotechnology-based fabrication methods.
Dr. Gang Wang, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UAH within the University of Alabama System, underscores a key distinction in the new TENG technology. While traditional TENGs demand nanotechnology-based fabrication and specialized equipment, the breakthrough at UAH offers a stark contrast. The novel triboelectric energy harvester requires only craft-level skills for construction, emphasizing its accessibility and simplicity compared to the more complex fabrication processes associated with conventional TENGs.
The significant advancement is documented in a paper featured in the journal ACS Omega. Dr. Gang Wang collaborated with fellow researchers at UAH, including Dr. Moonhyung Jang, a postdoctoral research assistant, Sean P. Rabbitte, an undergraduate research assistant, and Dr. Yu Lei, who serves as the chair and an associate professor of chemical and materials engineering.
This research aligns with the objectives of the Department of Defense (DOD) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative facilitates government-funded contracts or grants aimed at encouraging domestic small businesses to actively participate in federal research and development projects with the potential for subsequent commercialization.
Dr. Gang Wang highlights the involvement of their industrial partner, Materials Sciences, LLC, with Dr. Simon Chung leading the project. The collaborative effort has reached a significant milestone as they have successfully filed a patent for the design of the triboelectric energy-harvesting system utilizing adhesive layers. This underscores the practical implications and potential commercial applications of their innovative technology.
The innovative approach at UAH involves the use of a limestone-based mounting putty in conjunction with a metallized polyester sheet. This not only distinguishes it from existing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) but also broadens the operational frequency bandwidth. This extension is particularly noteworthy as it addresses the requirements of certain small-scale energy-harvesting applications like health monitoring and wearable exoskeleton systems, which benefit from a wider frequency bandwidth to effectively capture energy from human motion.
Dr. Gang Wang points out a distinctive feature of their triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology. While conventional contact-separation TENGs typically operate at frequencies below 10 Hz, the UAH team has successfully extended the bandwidth to an impressive 80 Hz. This achievement is attributed to the incorporation of triboelectric layers in a vibration-based energy-harvester design.
Following the successful demonstration using double-sided tape, the research team pursued further advancements. They aimed to explore less adhesive materials for easier separation, leading to the development of the innovative concept of utilizing a limestone-based putty. This shift in materials not only enhances the efficiency of the TENG but also streamlines the separation process for improved functionality.
The researchers at UAH have set their sights on future explorations into putty-based generators, with plans to assess the efficacy of various minerals, including but not limited to marble, sandstone, and lunar soil. This indicates a broader scope for their investigation, aiming to uncover potential applications and optimize the performance of such generators with diverse mineral compositions.
Resources
- ONLINE NEWS Nelson, R. & University of Alabama in Huntsville. (2023, December 4). Researchers design limestone putty nanogenerator to harvest energy from everyday motion to power small devices. Phys.org. [Phys.org]
- JOURNAL Jang, M. H., Rabbitte, S. P., Yu, L., Chung, S., & Wang, G. (2023). Power generation by a Limestone-Contained putty. ACS Omega, 8(10), 9326–9333. [ACS Omega]
Cite this page:
APA 7: TWs Editor. (2023, December 5). A New Way to Power Small Devices with Everyday Motion: Limestone Putty Nanogenerators. PerEXP Teamworks. [News Link]
